Best black jeans for women to buy in 2023
These best selling jeans are universally loved for their high waist and straight leg design that shoppers say suits everyone.
These products are hand-picked by our team to help make shopping easier. We may receive payments from third parties for sharing this content and when you purchase through links in this article. Product prices and offer details are not assured, and should be confirmed independently with the retailer. Learn more
Many a song and book have been written about trusty blue denim, fashion’s enduring symbol of comfort and style.
Paired with nothing more than a white T-shirt, a pair of blue jeans can take you pretty much anywhere all year round.
But if you are looking for something a little moodier a pair of black jeans is the ideal option.
“When it comes to your denim wardrobe, a go-to pair of black jeans are one of the most versatile style staples you can own,” Nicole Adolphe, head of style at THE ICONIC, told news.com.au.
“Unlike an indigo wash, black denim can seamlessly be taken from the couch, a night-out and into the meeting room with ease.”
With so many options, we turned to the Shopping team to get their recommendations on the black jeans they reach for every morning including the best selling Levi’s Ribcage Straight Ankle jeans.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
With hundreds of black jeans available, it’s impossible to test every product out there. To help you find the best pair, we tested a few well-known brands at different price points. In addition, our shopping team read hundreds of customer reviews and looked at test results and ratings from product review sites to find the best cleanser for your skin.
In this article
OUR TOP PICKS
- Levi’s Ribcage Straight Ankle, $111.97 (down from $159.95) at THE ICONIC
- Dazie Hot Goss Utility Jeans, $40 (down from $79) at THE ICONIC
- Dr Denim Moxy Straight, $154.36 at Revolve
- Dr Denim Nora Jeans, $97.47 (down from $129.95) at THE ICONIC
BEST BLACK STRAIGHT JEANS
One of the easiest jean styles to wear on an everyday basis is the straight leg. It’s not skinny, it’s not baggy, it’s that perfect in-between that’s both comfortable and flattering.
Levi’s Ribcage Straight Ankle, $111.97 (down from $159.95) at THE ICONIC
Tried and Tested by former eCommerce team member, Maddison Glendenning
If you’re obsessed with denim, there’s a good chance you’ve got a pair of Levi’s in your rotation – or will have in the near future. This classic straight leg fit is made from a cotton-rich denim to provide you with total comfort.
I was hunting for the perfect pair of black jeans for months and, of course, it was Levi’s that delivered the goods. The Ribcage Straight Ankle jeans are incredibly flattering, and despite their high-rise, are comfortable enough to sit in all day at work. They work with everything from flats to sneakers and boots – I love them so much that I’ve since bought them in two other colours.
Dr Denim Moxy Straight, $154.36 at Revolve
What You Need To Know
Dr Denim is a Swedish based brand focused on creating the perfect pair of jeans. This straight legged pair definitely doesn’t deviate from that goal. Crafted in the ideal cut to glide over your legs and end just below the ankles, these jeans are super elongating which if you’re anything like me, you could definitely use.
The high waist design is not only super flattering but also made is a stretch to be comfy too.
“So comfy. They have structure yet are soft and stretchy!” wrote one five-star review on Revolve.
Another five-star review on Google wrote, “Obsessed with these jeans and have them in a few shades now. Really flattering style and nice and stretchy.”
Slim Straight Jean, $41.99 (down from $59.99) at Cotton On
What You Need To Know
Shopping for jeans on a budget? You can’t go wrong with Cotton On. The affordable Aussie brand knows how to provide the goods, particularly with this straight leg pair made from a super soft and stretchy denim.
These jeans also feature a snug, high rise waist and are made with ozone and laser technology to reduce water and chemical use.
Happy customers have said they’re a “great fit” and “look very good on”.
Dusters Comfort Rinse Black Jeans, $159.95 at Rolla’s
Tried and Tested by Edwina Carr Barraclough, Senior Manager eCommerce Content and Strategy
Rolla’s is a trusted denim brand, offering an array of colours and styles in their signature comfort denim.
These jeans are straight enough to not feel too shapeless, the high waist gives them a decidedly feminine feel and they can easily be paired with anything from heeled boots to Converse sneakers.
Don’t be fooled by their rigidity, these definitely stretch after a couple of wears so if you’re tossing up between sizes, I’d suggest sizing down. I’ve also got these in blue – because once you find a pair of jeans that looks decent, you cling onto them for dear life.
Nobody Denim Lou Jeans, $186.75 at THE ICONIC
What You Need To Know
With a dedication to fit and form, Melbourne-born denim label, Nobody Denim, is the natural choice for premium, contemporary denim.
The Lou Jeans boast an ultra high-rise, straight leg silhouette, constructed from non-stretch, solid onyx-hued denim. A thoroughly modern classic to wear throughout the years.
Rolla’s Original Straight Jeans, $97 (down from $139.95) at THE ICONIC
What You Need To Know
Always struggling to find the perfect pair of jeans? Never can find the right length? This pair from Rolla’s comes in two different size lengths – and former eCommerce team member Jade used this feature to her advantage.
“Usually I need to get pants taken up because they’re always too long, didn’t need to with these. They also look great if you roll them up and make a cuff and cinch in the cuff a little with a fold in.”
We also love the classic straight leg fit offered in Rolla’s signature comfort fabric.
BEST BLACK WIDE LEG JEANS
Perhaps the denim that all Millennials were raised in, wide-leg jeans vanished for a hot second, but have made a triumphant re-emergence, thanks to brands such as Rolla’s and Third Form. Designed to balance the eye – their hems are often cut to meet the width of the wearer’s shoulders – wide-leg jeans have broad mass appeal.
Dazie Hot Goss Utility Jeans, $40 (down from $79) at THE ICONIC
What You Need To Know
If you love the wide leg denim look but don’t want it to look like your drowning in fabric, check out this style from Dazie.
The wide leg is complimented with a cropped leg and high waisted fit, giving your body some much needed shape.
The best part? They’re normally almost $80 but right now they’re on sale for $40, making them pretty damn affordable.
Rolla’s Eastcoast Flare Brad Jeans, $127.46 (down from $169.95) at THE ICONIC
What You Need To Know
Inspired by the liberation and energy of the ’70s, Melbourne-native label, Rolla’s, has cemented itself as a prominent source of vintage-inspired denim staples.
The Eastcoast Flares are the epitome of this design legacy, non-stretch flares perfectly balancing a high-waist cut. With an ability to style with ankle boots and heeled mules alike, this pair of jeans will see you through all the seasons to come.
BEST BLACK SKINNY JEANS
Certainly one of the more polarising of denim styles, these jeans will never be completely out of circulation due to their versatility – such a slim silhouette, you can layer and pair with anything – and in winter especially, nothing tucks into statement boots better. Read on for our favourites.
Neuw Marilyn Skinny Jeans, $134.97 (down from $179.95) at THE ICONIC
Tried and Tested by Susannah Hardy, Parenting Shopping Writer
If you can’t let go of the beloved skinny jean, you may want to try this best-selling pair from Neuw Denim.
These jeans are super skinny and high waisted but so easy to wear and always look great. I thought they might be too tight around the waist but they give a little and I have to say, they are the most comfortable jeans I’ve bought in ages. I bought them in two different tones of black, and have a pair in light denim as well.
Great with high heels, boots or trainers, I find them so versatile and wear them just about everyday whether I’m walking the dog or dressing up and going out.
Also available on the Neuw website.
Wrangler Hi Pins Skinny Jeans, $104.97 (down from $139.95) at THE ICONIC
What You Need To Know
Wrangler is an Australian brand that’s been around for ages – since 1947 to be exact.
There’s a good chance you may just find your new favourite pair of black skinny jeans from the brand’s collection, in the form of the Hi Pins fit.
They’re made from a stretchy cotton-rich denim, so the skinny style will feel comfortable enough to wear all day long.
Sateen Jean, $129 at Country Road
What You Need To Know
Constructed from a blend of cotton, elastane and sustainably sourced tencel x refibra fibres – we love to hear it – this pair of ultra-stretch denim is designed to fit you like a glove. Featuring a mid-rise waist and skinny leg cut above the ankles, there isn’t anything more you could ask for from a minimalist pair of skinny jeans.
Levi’s Curve 311 Plus Shaping Skinny Jeans, $97.46 (down from $119.95) at Myer
What You Need To Know
Levi’s hardly requires an introduction – synonymous with excellent denim construction, it’s of little surprise one review states, “This is the third pair I’ve bought. Really happy with the style and quality.”
The secret? This denim has been carefully crafted with generous stretch, for the ideal balance between shape, texture and fit. Featuring a mid-rise waist, skinny leg and ankle-skimming hem, it is our choice for ultimate comfort.
BEST BLACK MOM JEANS
High-waisted and noticeably loose around the thighs, wearing Mom jeans was once considered a fashion faux pas. However in recent seasons, the look has emerged as a flattering and comfortable denim style, making the transition from streetwear to high fashion.
Dr Denim Nora Jeans, $97.47 (down from $129.95) at THE ICONIC
What You Need To Know
Made from a certified organic cotton, Dr Denim’s Nora Jeans are a mum fit – think high rise, curved through the thighs to give you some shape and a tapered leg. A pair like this is set to become your new wardrobe essential – they can easily be dressed up or down and suit any sort of look you pull together.
Former eCommerce team member Leela loves the fit of these jeans, pointing out they’ve got “great stretch while sitting at a great price point”.
Levi’s High-Waisted Mom Jeans in Flash Black, $89.96 (down from $119.95) at Myer
Tried and Tested by Shopping Editor, Hannah Paine
Yes, another pair of Levi’s have made it on to our list, but these tapered mum jeans are a must-have for your denim collection.
I like to think of these mom jeans as not like a regular mom, but a cool mom – they’re not as baggy and have a more slimline shape that goes with literally everything, making them perfect for work and weekend wear.
They are also super comfortable and I wear my black pair so much, I also have them in blue.
Neuw Sade Baggy Jeans, $134.97 (down from $179.95) at THE ICONIC
What You Should Know:
Guided by a design philosophy of tradition, originality and sentimentality – the signature ring hanging from a front belt loop is honour of the director’s grandfather – Neuw Denim is one of the foremost trending brands in denim today. The Sade Baggy Jeans may just be this writer’s favourite, with a pure, non-stretch denim construction and dark wash. It’s finished with a stylised rip to knee – the perfect detail for an effortless casual look.
ARE BLACK JEANS FLATTERING?
According to Nicole, absolutely. “There’s nothing more flattering than a tip-to-toe black number to create a flattering silhouette,” she says. “Opt for a foolproof monochrome look by partnering your denim with a tee, boyfriend style black blazer and a slimline belt for the office; or for the weekend, pair with a black graphic tee or sweater and white sneakers to work an off-duty aesthetic.”
More Best Fashion Coverage
Best bike shorts for workouts or fashion
Want more fashion? Read more about the Marks & Spencer trench coat that has outsold all other products for four years straight.
If you’re on the hunt for a bargain, make sure you stop by the news.com.au Coupons page, for all the very best deals and discounts on all your favourite brands.
We also recommend signing up to the news.com.au checkout newsletter. It’s completely free, and it means you’ll get awesome sales, shopping tips and guides delivered to your inbox every single week.
‘No-brainer’: Dapper men’s fashion essentials
Building a wardrobe can be stressful, but we’re saving your oodles of time and money with this excellent range of essentials.
I’m a curvy girl and I found the dress of my dreams
Something that will make getting ready in the morning a whole lot easier? Sign us up.
If you don’t know this word, you’re old
In years gone by, the word had serious negative connotations but thanks to one pop star, it’s well and truly on the way up.
‘Obsessed’: Shoppers flock to Cotton On jeans
Cotton On jeans have sparked a frenzy online but do they really live up to the hype?